Choosing the right tabletop microwave can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this guide we break down the top models, highlighting performance, size, and price so you can match a unit to your kitchen’s needs. From speedy reheats to even cooking, we’ve tested each contender and gathered real‑world feedback. Trust our hands‑on experience to help you pick a reliable, space‑saving microwave that fits your lifestyle without breaking the bank and lasting performance for years ahead.
Key Takeaways
- The top pick excels with Cyclonic Inverter cooking for even, fast heating.
- Look for at least a 16-inch turntable for better food coverage.
- Choose models with preset menus for easier, one-touch cooking.
- A child safety lock adds essential protection in family households.
- Prioritize inverter technology and interior capacity when comparing microwaves.

Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Premium Power
- Cyclonic Inverter cooking
- 20 preset menu options
- Large 16.5‑inch turntable
- BEST FOR COMPACT POWERHOUSE: GE Countertop Microwave Oven Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SMART SENSOR: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FAMILY CAPACITY: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SPACE SAVER: Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT MENU: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus Read More ↓
- BEST FOR MINI POWER: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BUDGET PRO: COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave with 10 Power Levels Read More ↓
- BEST FOR INVERTER TECH: TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PREMIUM POWER: Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EASY ACCESS: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Table Top Microwave
GE Countertop Microwave Oven,1, 200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel

The GE Countertop Microwave Oven offers a solid blend of power and practicality for busy kitchens. With 1200 watts and a 2.0‑cubic‑foot interior, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to cooking full meals.
A two‑step child lock adds peace of mind, while sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power for optimal results. The glass turntable rotates for even heating, and weight‑based defrost simplifies frozen foods.
One‑touch Instant On controls and audible alarms make operation straightforward, fitting neatly on countertops without sacrificing performance.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Child lock safety
- Compact yet powerful
- Sensor cooking accuracy
- One‑touch convenience
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Turntable can wobble
- No stainless steel interior
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W

Toshiba’s EM131A5C‑BS microwave packs 1000 watts of power into a 1.2‑cubic‑foot interior, delivering reliable performance for everyday cooking. Smart Sensor Technology reads food humidity and fine‑tunes time and power, eliminating guesswork and preventing over‑cooking.
Six preset menus cover popular dishes such as pizza, vegetables, and reheating, while ten power levels give you precise control for everything from boiling water to deodorizing. The removable 12.4‑inch glass turntable makes cleaning easy, and the one‑touch defrost lets you choose weight or time.
A built‑in clock and kitchen timer round out its user‑friendly feature set.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Smart sensor cooking
- Six preset menus
- Ten power levels
- Easy defrost by weight
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No grill function
- Limited interior space
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel

The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) is a 1200‑watt countertop microwave that blends power with smart convenience. Its sensor menus automatically adjust cooking time for pizza, potatoes, vegetables, and more, delivering better texture without guesswork.
A spacious 1.6 cu ft interior and 13.6‑inch turntable easily accommodate family‑size dishes, while the one‑touch popcorn button adds a quick snack option. Innovative position‑memory returns the turntable to its starting spot for safer loading.
Additional features include auto‑defrost, multi‑stage cooking, child lock, clock, timer, and a mute‑buzzer function for quiet operation.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large 1.6 cu ft interior
- Sensor menus for perfect texture
- Position‑memory turntable safety
- Mute buzzer for quiet kitchens
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy at 45 lbs
- No interior grill function
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless

The Farberware 1.1 cu ft countertop microwave offers 1000 watts of power in a compact footprint, making it ideal for kitchens, dorms, or office break rooms. Ten power levels and six one‑touch presets—including popcorn, potato, and pizza—let you fine‑tune cooking or rely on quick auto‑cook programs.
Defrost can be set by weight or time, simplifying frozen meals. A bright LED display, interior light, clock, and kitchen timer keep you informed, while the child‑safety lock prevents accidental operation.
Easy‑clean interiors and a sleek exterior round out a versatile, space‑saving appliance.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact 1.1 cu ft size
- Six one‑touch preset buttons
- Defrost by weight or time
- Easy‑clean interior surface
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Lower power than rivals
- No sensor cooking menu
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel

The Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact countertop microwave that packs a punch with 900 watts of cooking power and a 10.6‑inch glass turntable. Its sleek 18.7‑by‑14.7‑by‑10.7‑inch footprint fits easily on small kitchens or dorm rooms.
Six preset menus simplify cooking popular items like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, while eleven power levels let you fine‑tune heating for delicate tasks such as defrosting or simmering. A two‑step child lock adds peace of mind, and the mute function keeps the kitchen quiet.
One‑touch start and an easy‑defrost feature make everyday meals quick and hassle‑free.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact countertop size
- Powerful 900‑Watt output
- Six handy preset menus
- Two‑step child lock
- Easy one‑touch start
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited interior space
- No convection function
- Plastic control panel feels cheap
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black

Chefman’s 0.7‑cubic‑foot countertop microwave delivers 700 watts of cooking power in a space‑saving design perfect for apartments or office kitchens. Ten adjustable power levels give you control from gentle butter melting to rapid reheating, while six popular presets cover popcorn, pizza, veggies, and more.
The digital interface includes a convenient +30‑second button and a memory function for one‑touch favorite settings. A built‑in child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental door openings, and the lock mode can disable the panel for added security.
Its affordable price makes it a solid entry‑level choice.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Space‑saving design
- Ten power levels
- Memory preset function
- Quiet operation mode
- Affordable price point
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Lower wattage than rivals
- No grill feature
- Plastic turntable may warp
COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave with 10 Power Levels, 700W Microwave with Digital Display, Countertop Microwave with Child Safety Door Lock, Programmable with Push Button, White

The Commercial Chef 0.7 cu ft microwave delivers 700 W of power in a compact white cabinet that fits comfortably on any countertop. With ten power levels—including six preset menus, a defrost setting, and quick‑cook timers from one to six minutes—you can fine‑tune heating for bacon, pasta, or a frozen dinner.
The intuitive LED panel lets you set cooking times up to 99 minutes, while built‑in features such as a child lock, door lock, kitchen clock, and programmable multi‑stage cooking add safety and convenience. A sturdy glass turntable and easy‑grab door make daily use effortless.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact countertop footprint
- Ten versatile power levels
- Digital timer up to 99 min
- Child and door lock safety
- Sturdy glass turntable
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited interior capacity
- No backlit control panel
- No built‑in grill function
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Stainless Steel

Toshiba’s ML‑EM45PIT(SS) countertop microwave blends sleek stainless‑steel styling with a spacious 1.5 cu ft interior, making it ideal for families and avid cooks. Inverter technology supplies continuous, low‑level power for even heating, so pizza, potatoes, and vegetables retain texture while cooking faster than traditional models.
Six smart sensor menus automatically adjust power based on food type, and a one‑touch quick‑start button launches full‑power cooking for up to three minutes. The removable 13.6‑inch turntable accommodates a 12‑inch pizza, while the optional sound‑on/off function lets you silence the buzzer for quiet kitchens.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Inverter technology for even heating
- Six smart sensor menus
- Spacious 1.5 cu ft interior
- Removable 13.6‑inch turntable
- Quiet sound‑off option
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No backlit control panel
- Requires 1.2‑inch rear clearance
- Limited to 1000 W max power
Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 2.2 Cubic Foot, Stainless Steel

Panasonic’s NN‑SN98JS brings restaurant‑grade performance to the home kitchen. Its 1250‑watt Cyclonic Inverter delivers 3‑dimensional heat waves that keep food moist and evenly cooked, while the Genius Sensor automatically adjusts power and time for a range of dishes.
With a generous 2.2‑cubic‑foot interior and a 16.5‑inch turntable, it handles family‑size meals without crowding. The stainless‑steel finish looks sleek on any countertop or built‑in space, and features like Turbo Defrost, 20 preset menus, delay start, and a child‑lock make it both fast and safe.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Cyclonic Inverter cooking
- 20 preset menu options
- Large 16.5‑inch turntable
- Child safety lock
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- High power consumption
- Heavy stainless steel
- No interior grill
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft

BLACK+DECKER’s EM720CB7 offers a straightforward, space‑saving microwave for everyday cooking. Its 700‑watt output and ten power levels let you fine‑tune heating for popcorn, pizza, frozen veggies, and more, while the 30‑second express button speeds up quick meals.
A bright LED display and intuitive push‑button controls make operation simple, and the removable 10‑inch glass turntable fits most dishes. Safety is built in with a child‑lock and a push‑button door release.
At 17.3 by 13 inches, it fits neatly on countertops without sacrificing essential features.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Pre‑programmed cooking buttons
- Compact countertop footprint
- Easy push‑button door
- Child safety lock
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited power output
- Small turntable size
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key specifications should I compare when choosing a tabletop microwave?
Focus on wattage, interior capacity, and dimensions to ensure the unit fits your kitchen space and cooking needs. Higher wattage (900‑1,200 W) generally cooks food faster and more evenly. Also check the turntable size or flatbed option, as it affects how large plates can be accommodated.
How important is wattage versus size for everyday cooking?
Wattage determines cooking speed and heat distribution, while size dictates how much food you can fit at once. For single‑serving or reheating, a 700‑900 W, 0.7‑cubic‑foot model may be sufficient; families often prefer 1,000‑1,200 W with 1.2‑cubic‑foot capacity for larger dishes. Balancing both ensures you don’t waste time or space.
Are there any special features that add real value?
Look for sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts time and power based on moisture levels, and inverter technology for more precise temperature control. Additional perks like a child lock, easy‑clean interior, and preset cooking programs can simplify everyday use. These features often justify a modest price premium.
Should I prioritize a turntable or a flatbed design?
A turntable provides consistent heating by rotating food, which is ideal for unevenly shaped items. Flatbed microwaves eliminate the need for a rotating plate, offering more usable interior space and easier cleaning, but may require higher wattage to achieve uniform results. Choose based on the types of dishes you prepare most often.
How does price relate to performance and durability?
Higher‑priced models typically include advanced features, stronger magnets, and better build quality, which can extend lifespan and improve cooking results. However, many mid‑range microwaves (around $100‑$150) deliver comparable performance for basic reheating and cooking tasks. Evaluate whether extra features align with your actual usage before spending more.
What are the best ways to assess energy efficiency?
Check the Energy Star rating or the manufacturer’s power consumption specifications (watts used per hour). Models with inverter technology often run at lower power levels while maintaining heat, reducing electricity use. Pairing efficient cooking habits—like using the appropriate power level and avoiding over‑cooking—also cuts energy costs.
How do brand reputation and warranty affect my purchase decision?
Established brands usually provide more reliable customer support and longer warranty periods, which can protect you against defects. A warranty of at least one year, preferably two, gives peace of mind and may include parts and labor coverage. Reading user reviews can reveal real‑world durability and service experiences beyond the warranty terms.